Local yoga teacher addresses abuse by launching series of free ethics discussions
A local yoga teacher just announced a wave of events at Charlotte yoga studios (and a church) to raise awareness about upholding ethics in the yoga community. The announcement comes at a time when the #MeToo movement is still fresh, as well as news of local sexual harassment lawsuits, from cases involving eye doctor Jonathan Christenbury to the owner of Charlotte Yoga.
“The culture around permission, power, and teacher standards is shifting and it’s important to come together, as a larger Charlotte community, and have the tough conversations for learning and information exchange,” wrote Charlotte yoga teacher Grace Millsap on her blog.
Millsap has partnered with Jasmine Hines, the creator of Amplify and Activate, to launch a series of community meetings on ethics. Yoga, meditation and panel discussions are incorporated into the events.
“The intention is to listen to the narratives, empower us all with a greater understanding of reducing harm, and to further open these dialogues to strengthen, include, and benefit the total community,” Millsap wrote. “…If not us, then who? If not now, then when?”
The events are free to the public, with the option to donate to local organizations. Continuing education unit credits will be available to yoga teachers through Yoga Alliance when they attend these events.
Four events are on the schedule thus far:
What is Abuse, on and off the mat?
4:30 p.m. on May 12 at Yoga One Central, 1318 Central Ave., D2
This event will educate people about how to recognize abuse and how to empower ourselves and others in these circumstances. The discussion will touch on the definitions of abuse, misuse and permission, and will extend to perspectives about what is appropriate on the yoga mat, in yoga studios and in the community.
Victimization, Blaming, and Shaming
6 p.m. on June 9 at Be Yoga Dilworth, 1247 East Blvd., #250
This gathering will emphasize shared perspectives and lived experiences to stop the shaming and blaming of victims of abuse. The aim is help people understand contextual cues and systems to create a solutions-oriented culture.
Power of the Teacher
Noon on July 21 at Friendship Missionary Baptist Church, 3400 Beatties Ford Road
This discussion focuses on the misuse of power and privilege of the student-teacher relationship. The concept of the “teacher” extends to therapists, bodyworkers and general people of authority.
Trauma Awareness
1 p.m. on Aug. 11 at NoDa Yoga, 3201 N. Davidson St.
During this conversation, types of trauma will be defined like sexual, racial, physical, emotional, cultural and misgendering. The goal is to bring awareness to unconscious behaviors and harmful messages to establish more welcoming environments.
Photo: Courtesy of Grace Millsap
This story was originally published May 4, 2018 at 12:00 AM.